The three-week, full time AA Summer Architecture School presents a challenging programme of design studios, field study, seminars and lectures that emphasise the importance of both practice and theory in contemporary architecture. Based on the AA’s unit system, it offers participants a selection of varying design approaches, agendas and techniques, and represents a uniquely intensive and intimate environment that aims to expand formal and intellectual resources.
Based in London, each of the school’s units creatively uses the city’s surroundings as its focus of research. Tutors, lecturers and critics include past and present AA unit masters as well as professionals pooled from disciplines as diverse as fashion, art, graphics, industrial design, urbanism and film. This year will also present a unique opportunity to take part in the first ever summer public programme, titled Format, at the AA which will include lectures by designers, architects, artists, and others.
The course is for students considering a career in architecture, new or current architectural students from around the world as well as individuals contemplating a change of careers or interested in exploring architecture and the city. The Summer Architecture School offers an exciting approach to architectural design for anyone interested in exploring architecture as a profession or as an extended field of research. It also offers an opportunity for prospective students who would like to experience the AA environment.
Approximately 100 students hail from over 35 countries come to London to work together in dynamic groups to build on opportunities for exchange on all fronts – conceptual, architectural, and cultural. A broad spectrum of techniques of working are promoted and explored that include both analogue fabrication as well as digital production. In past years students have developed and presented projects as live performances, as books, drawings, a fashion show, models, films, on-site installations, multimedia presentations, zines, broadsheets, and a 200+ person interactive photoshoot.
Tutors, lecturers and critics include past and present AA unit masters as well as professionals pooled from disciplines as diverse as fashion, art, architecture, graphic design, industrial design, urbanism, philosophy and film.
